2026-02-18 Board Meeting

001Good evening. The February 18, 2026 meeting of the Sonteo County Board of Education will come to order. As is our practice, this meeting will be recorded. I note that Marco Chavez, Deputy Superintendent, Educational Services Division, is attending on behalf of Superintendent McGee this evening. Uh, the board provides remote access for members of the public and welcomes community members joining in person and remotely. The board is following the requirements of Senate Bill SB77, which enables remote participation by board members only under specific circumstances. We use simultaneous interpretation in Spanish for those attending virtually through the end of public comment and translation will continue further into the meeting if people are utilizing the channel. Thank you to our interpreters Anna Cruz and Kimberly Ldios for joining us remotely. For meeting attendees wishing to access the Spanish translation

002channel on Zoom, please click on the interpretation button on the menu bar. We ask speakers to be mindful of the Spanish interpretation and speak slowly and clearly. Item 1B is the approval of the agenda. Is there a motion to approve the agenda? >> So move. I'll second. >> Thank you. There's a motion to approve the agenda made by Trusty O'Neal and a second by Trusty Gerard. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I I >> All those opposed say no. Uh the motion passes with a vote of 70 and the agenda for tonight's meeting has been approved. Item two is public comment. Guidelines for public comment are available on the SMCE website and in board docs and on the table outside the boardroom in English and in Spanish. For speakers who

003require Spanish interpretation, our interpreters, Miss Cruz and Miss Larios, will interpret following each speaker's comments. At this time, members of the public may provide comment for topics not included on the approved agenda. The County Board of Education does not act upon any matter that has not been agendaized except under limited circumstances as permitted by law. It is the policy of the county board to refer matters raised in this forum to the superintendent for investigation and or action where appropriate. Uh, Deputy Superintendent Chavez, do we have any comments submitted prior to the meeting for topics not on the approved agenda? >> No comments were submitted. Thank you. Uh speakers are invited to make live comment and will have three minutes to speak. Please keep within the time limits. To make a comment over Zoom, members of

004the public may use the raise hand feature. Instructions for using this feature are provided as an attachment in the board packet. Once the hand is raised, please wait to be acknowledged by Deputy Superintendent Chavez. Uh Deputy Superintendent Chavez, are there any members of the public attending remotely who wish to make a comment at this time? >> I do not see any raised hands at the moment. Thank you. U members of the public may also provide live comment in person. Uh Deputy Superintendent Chavez, are there any submitted cards for topics not on the approved agenda? >> No cards were submitted. >> Thank you. Uh public comment addressing a specific agenda item will be heard after the board's discussion on the item. If members of the public wish to speak to a specific agenda item, please use

005the raise hand feature when the item is announced or if in person, submit a card in advance of the item. Uh cards can be found on the table outside the boardroom and given to a staff member when completed. Moving on to item 3A, we have our February 2026 employee on the employee of the month, Bert Ornellis, custodial maintenance worker facilities business services division. Will Bert please join me in the middle of the room. So each month the board and superintendent recognize an employee for providing outstanding service. And for the month of February 2026, we recognize Bert Ordnales, custodial maintenance worker facilities business services division. So Bert joined the county office in September of 2023 and he was nominated for this award by the staff at El Porto and Palos Veres who report that Bert greets

006everyone with a smile and a friendly hello. He instinctively knows how to read students needs for example if they need a bit of space or quiet. His colleagues appreciate that he always seems happy to be at work interacting with staff and students. When there are meetings or school events, Bert sets up and cleans up in an efficient and timely manner. If staff need a particular setup for a particular student or class, Bert does not hesitate to jump in. When there when there is no specific job to attend to, Bert doesn't waste any time. He can be found cleaning windows or doors, dusting the ceilings, or wiping down the walls, which the students love to touch. They also love the windows. And yes, I remember Bird ensures that the campus is clean and facilities are continually

007stocked with what is needed and he does not put off tasks because he knows meeting the needs of our students is crucial and he wants to ensure that they are always placed first. Having the appropriate support from facilities helps to ensure that our students are provided with a safe, clean and well supplied environment in which to learn and BERT always provides this. So Bert is described as hardworking, calm, caring, kind, and a dependable team player who consistently demonstrates efficiency, thorowness, and a strong work ethic. So Bert goes above and beyond his duties whenever needed, responding quickly and reliably with enthusiasm, and his positive attitude, constant smile, and willingness to assist make a noticeable impact on the campus culture. He helps create a welcoming environment for both students and staff, and his efforts are greatly appreciated.

008His colleagues feel lucky to have him part of the team and without a doubt a vital asset to the county office. We are proud of our county office staff and are pleased to recognize Bert for his outstanding work. Congratulations for being named employee of the month for February of 2026. You want to say a few words? Just want to keep it short. I appreciate everybody here. Thank you for the award. Um, I just love working for the county schools. So, Samonteo and uh, Palos Veres and Elporttow been really good to me. I appreciate all the kind words from the staff and all I'm trying to do is help with the kids. I see all the progress and the stuff the staff and the teachers do for the kids. And I think it's awesome and I

009think it's great. And me just helping out to clean or fix something is just a little of what I can do to help the staff fully uh, help those kids. Uh, that's it. And that's for you. >> Thank you so much every. Moving on to item 4 A. Is there a motion to approve the minutes of the January 31st, 2026 special board meeting governance workshop as presented? >> So move. >> Is Thank you. There's a motion to approve the minutes of the January 31st, 2026 special board meeting governance workshop made by Trusty Gerard and a second by Trustee O'Neal. Um, is there any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. All those opposed say no. The motion passes with a vote of 70 and the minutes of the January 31st, 2026 special

010board meeting governance workshop have been approved. For item 4B, is there a motion to approve the minutes of the Feb February 4th, 2026 regular board meeting as presented? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. There's a motion to approve the minutes of the February 4th, 2026 regular board meeting made by Trustee Alvaro and a second by Trusty Gerard. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those opposed say no. Uh the motion passes with a vote of 70 and the minutes of the February 4th, 2026 regular board meeting have been approved. Item five is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is not debatable and requires a unanimous vote for passage. An item may be removed from the consent agenda and placed on

011the regular order of business for separate discussion and action if any member of the board, the superintendent or the public so requests. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. Uh there is a motion to approve the consent agenda made by Trusty Alvaro and a second by Trusty Aas. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. The motion passes with a vote of 70 and the consent agenda has been approved. For item 6A, Lisa Cho, deputy county attorney, is available to answer questions regarding the process for the county board to adopt authority under education code 1042 E2 to fill the county superintendent's office by appointment. Uh, Deputy County Attorney Ch. >> Good

012evening. Um, President Torres, members of the board, Deputy uh, Superintendent Chavez, I have um, two memos for you in your board packet regarding the appointment process um, to fill the remainder of the term that will be vacated when Superintendent Nancy McGee um, resigns effective tomorrow. Um, the first step would be for the board to adopt its own authority to make the appointment under ED code section 1042E1. Um this is a special legislative carveout uh to the normal appointment process for most um county elected positions. When there is a vacancy then it is the board of supervisors that would ordinarily fill that position. But for a county board of education you actually have special authority to adopt on your own to be able to make the appointment. So that's the recommendation here. Um since we're going

013to be having a vacancy in the office of the county superintendent and we do have an election this year. Um the office is open actually until January 4th of 2027 when the new county superintendent would take um the office after election. So um approximately 10 months uh that we need to fill. Uh the recommendation here is that the board make a motion to adopt its own power to make this appointment. My understanding is that we did historically have another situation where a county superintendent was appointed um after uh another superintendent has stepped down midterm. Um but it appears that the 1042E1 section was not um in place at the time. So there has not been a prior situation where this county board has adopted its own authority. Any questions from the board? Are there any

014comments or questions from the board? And seeing none, um are there any questions or comments from the public? >> No raised hands. >> Thank you. Is there a motion to for the county board to adopt authority under education code 1042E2 to fill county superintendent's office by appointment? >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. There's a motion for the county board to adopt authority under education code 1042E2 to fill county superintendent office by appointment made by trustee love and a second by trustee AAS. Is there any further discussion? >> All those in favor say I. I. >> All those opposed say no. >> The motion passes with a vote of 70 and the board has voted to adopt authority under education code 1042E2 to fill the county superintendent's office by

015appointment. Thank you for item 6B. Lisa Cho, deputy county attorney, is available to answer questions regarding the process for the county board to fill the county superintendent's office by appointment. Back to you. >> Thank you. So um the second step in this process is then to select a candidate for appointment to this office. Um we currently have about three and a half months left until the June 2026 election and then again the remainder of this year before the new county superintendent would take office uh January 4th, 2027. The recommendation here is that Deputy Superintendent Marco Chavez be appointed to fulfill the remainder of Superintendent Nancy McGee's term. Um just making the board aware that in September of 2025 due to Superintendent Mikkey's illness and some concerns over um decision- making at the SMCE and needing

016to have a person who is deputized to be able to make um decisions for the organization in the event that she was unable to be present. There was an appointment of Marco Chavez as the deputy county superintendent of schools. This is a process that is set forth in the government code um that allows an elected official to deputize a person to carry out the functions of that office should they be incapacitated due to illness. So um you'll see as part of the board packet um there was a appointment of deputy that was uh filed with the county clerk's office on September 3rd, 2025. Um really this was um put in as a safety measure to ensure that the operations of the SMCE would carry on um without any interruption or delay um due to illness.

017And I I wanted to just at this moment publicly acknowledge um deputy superintendent Chavez acting in his role as the deputy county superintendent has uh fulfilled the functions of this office with courage and great steadfastness. um it has been a difficult I think transition and time and adoption of that responsibility. So I want to thank him for that service. Um and given that we are in this election year and that there's not a whole lot of time left in the term um I think there was some consideration and I I actually took a look at what happened uh down in Orange County when they had a similar situation with the county superintendent who stepped down due to illness. Um and that was two and a half years before his term had uh completed. And they

018actually went through a pretty extensive recruitment process where they took applications and they held interviews and then uh it was actually quite uh contentious actually as I understand that whole appointment process. Um and I think the the landscape that they were looking at there was really because there was so much time left on that term and then there was going to be um an interesting incumbency um that would take place uh and then potentially affect the election. um because Deputy Superintendent Chavez is not currently a a contender for this year's election and given that he has been fulfilling this role really with a lot of grace and dignity and um you know the SMTO staff really look up to you. So I want to appreciate you for that. The recommendation is that he be appointed

019to this role to fulfill the remainder of the term. Um and if there's any questions about the appointment that was filed last September and what that means I'm happy to answer that tonight. >> Thank you for all the context. Um, are there any comments or questions from the board? >> Trusty Lab. >> Um, I want to agree with everything the council said that we are very fortunate to have Marco Chavez um, in place and ready to assume this and um, just very fortunate. Thank you, >> Trusty Alvaro. >> I just want to ask if anyone's asked Deputy Superintendent Chavez if he's willing to do this. I think we did >> just but I can't remember >> checking checking >> we did ask right I'm pretty sure yeah >> other comments or questions um I will

020just say um as board president in this role working with you has been incredible and um I don't know what we would have done without you uh stepping in um so I really do appreciate um all and everything to to keep the work moving forward during this time. Thank you. Um, oh yes, trusty Adas. >> Yeah, I just also want to take a minute to appreciate all the support that you have given me as the newest uh uh trustee here and I'm as I heard um that this is a possibility that you're going to continue. I am very excited because I see how you really put your heart in everything that you do. So I really appreciate all the support that you have given and look forward for more support. Thank you. >> Are there

021any comments or questions from the public? >> So sorry. No, I don't see any reset. >> Thank you. Um is there a motion? Trusty Gerard. >> Yes. Um, I would like to move that we appoint uh Marco Charves, Deputy Superintendent, Educational Service Division, uh, as deputy county superintendent of the schools. Um, and through the term of January, is it 4th, 20 27? >> Well, I just want to correct. So, you would be making an appointment to the county superintendent of schools position. Would be county superintendent. the county superintendent >> county superintendent >> and the term is from 2022 to 2026. >> Okay. Can they correct my >> Yes, we can go back and do that again. >> I'm very happy to be doing this. So, I want to make sure I get it right. >>

022Yeah. So, the title is county superintendent of schools 2022 to 2026. >> Okay, that's what I move. >> Is there a second? >> Second. Second. >> Thank Oh, lots of seconds. Um so um there is a motion to appoint Marco Chavez to superintendent county superintendent of schools for 2022 to made by trustee Gerard and a second by trustee Lev. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor say I. I. >> I. All those opposed say no. The motion passes with a vote of 70 and the board has voted to appoint Marco Chavez to County Superintendent of Schools 2022 to 2026. >> We wanted to make sure we got that through before you ran out the door. >> Uh, moving on to item 6 C. Randy Perez, executive director, personnel commission services, will present the

0232024 to 2025 personnel commission annual report. Executive Director Perez. Sure. I got a handle of this here. I point this way. Let's see. Yep. Yeah. How do I go back now? Oh, here we go. Okay. Here we go. So, uh, good evening, board president Torres, uh, board members, and now I should say Superintendent Chavez. Um, congratulations. Um, my name is Randy Perez and I'm the executive director of personnel commission services and I'm here to present the 2024 25 personnel commission annual report. Um, I know that we have at least one board member that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting. Um, and I normally skim through the first few slides, but I think I'm gonna spend a little bit more time talking about who we are and what we do. Okay. So, the personal commission

024is a three a governing body made up of three appointed members. One commissioner is appointed by the the governing board. One commissioner is appointed by the largest uh bargaining unit, classified bargaining unit, that would be CSA 887. And then those two commissioners appoint the third commissioner. Uh and they serve a three-year staggered term. Um so that you know in case we have difficulty filling a seat then we at least have a quorum with the two. Um their responsibility is essentially um revising and uh writing and approving policy and regulations and overseeing the application of the merit system. So what is the merit system? So I think of it this way. Um on the other side of human resources, the certificate employment side, they have the California Commission on Teacher Credential, right? And it tells us

025that that agency tells us what a teacher needs to teach what grade level and what subject area. So they essentially set the standard for qualification. We don't have anything like that on the classified side. And the classified service is really really wide um ranging. We have everything from a PAR educator that would serve uh Carton community schools or a special ed program all the way to an executive director over business services and then everything in between. So our job is to uh develop very strategic intentional recruitment and assessment tools to determine uh the highest qualified people to take on these uh you know classified positions. That's essentially what it is that we do. Um, I I I have experience working both in merit and non-mmerit districts. And I could tell you that the first and

026only time I was deposed by an attorney was when I was at a a school district that did not operate with a merit system. And see, in a non-marit system, administrators have a lot more latitude and and um they can make their own decisions and there's not really a whole lot of guidance. And so sometimes you have these departments that have, you know, their entire family members in those departments. And so I was in this two-day grueling deposition. Um, you know, there was an allegation that there was nepotism and um, you know, the department had their entire family. And so anyways, I think the merit system keeps employers out of hot water really. And I think in my heart of hearts that um you know taxpayers really want to see that there's a vetting system

027that ensures that people that take on these positions um are qualified to actually be in those roles. So I talked about the open competitive selection um responsibility. These are some of the responsibilities that we we uh we have. Uh we also oversee the class description and compensation system. We just recently approved an agencywide class and comp system for the classified service. I'll talk a little bit about that later on in the presentation, but essentially we um oversee the development of job classes, um pay structure, um you know, reorganizations, things like that. And this is all very connected to the work that we do. It's related to our recruitment efforts, our ability to develop assessments, um workers comp, our ability to uh engage in an interactive process. There's so many things that are related to that.

028Um we resolve protests, a variety of protests and hear appeals for classified employees. Um essentially, we are responsible for ensuring that employees are given due process rights. Um, if an employee is, for example, uh, terminated for cause or suspended without pay for cause, they have the ability to appeal to us and we're required to hold a hearing and hear the evidence and render a decision and that decision is binding on on the employer. We are also responsible for developing personnel policies and regulations to ensure that we are running the classified service efficiently. Then finally, we collaborate with the superintendent and members of of cabinet to make sure that we're staffing our positions with highly qualified people and meeting their needs. And here are our wonderful commissioners. Veronica Palmer is the classified appointed commissioner. She's appointed

029by uh CSA 887. Karen Schwarz is your appointed commissioner. and uh Miss Palmer and Miss Schwarz uh in turn appointed uh Miss Shre who is the joint appointed uh commissioner and then our staff I've already introduced myself. Ian Johnson is a personnel commission technician and Sylvia Pay is a personnel commission analyst. Uh these two are very new to the roles. So they're not new to SMCE but they were promoted into these roles. So we're in excited time an exciting time in um learning the roles and scaling them up going through trainings um and and shaping you know how we want to move forward with our uh department. So when I think of the year in review so so looking back last year and uh thinking about overarching themes and goals that we accomplished two things

030come to mind. It's the work that we did in plugging into the strategic plan and then our work in collaborating with human resources. With regards to this the uh strategic plan, I think you probably have all seen the strategic plan. Four very comprehensive well articulated goals. The first three are very outward facing, right? And they speak to services to uh the community and our school uh districts within Sonteo County. The fourth goal goal is inward facing and that's where I think our work resides. That's where we see the intersection with um our work and the strategic plan. So one of the um action items in that uh and that goal was the um approval of a comp and class study and so we did that finally um and we had tried to do it about

031seven or eight years ago and uh the study was tanked. it wasn't approved but we got over the hump and now we've implemented the study um management successfully negotiated impacts with the various bargaining units um and now we're almost completely implemented um and the second point there the career pathway counseling that's also stated in goal four I think it's in in in a nutshell it's talking about you know um employee engagement employee retention so uh I partnered with uh Kristen Stout who is the coordinator of personnel development and employee experience. I think I got her title right. And we rolled out uh career counseling for our employees to talk about you know career pathways for them and see you know what kind of experience and education they might need to take the next step. Um

032and then before I I got to this agency I I I'm going on my fourth year. I understand about six seven years ago uh the personnel commission office was actually in human resources and then at some point um there was a decision to separate the offices and it didn't really make a lot of sense. Um, you know, I've been doing this work for over 16 years and the personal commission office has always been a part of human resources because the work that we do is related to human resources. And so, you know, when you you have customers or clients or or um uh employees that are looking for help or services, they don't understand the nuances of what we do on the commission side and what human resources does. And so in working with Tammy

033Moore, the associate superintendent of HR, we we decided that to give better service to streamline our work, it made more sense to combine our websites and move back into human resources. And so, you know, we've we did that and we've been holding theseformational meetings, jointformational meetings. Um, you know, if anything, it's a it's a unified front. Um, you know, it didn't change the reporting line. and I still report to the personnel commission and Miss Moore still reports to the superintendent, but for uh the purpose of serving our customers, we felt like this was the best uh move. Then we're going to looking at some of the data that we put together here. Um we did have a decrease in our number of recruitments and applications received. But you know, when I when I look at

034this data, I'm always looking at causation, uh potential causation. And I I really believe that our approval of the comp and class study helped in this regard because the next slide you'll see that our turnover decrease from the previous year. Um and if you have not as many people leaving then you don't have as many vacancies to fill. Um and the only other point I want to uh uh other data point I want to speak to is that performance examinations conducted we increased almost threefold from 2024 22 to 78. And so uh I'm I'm highlighting that point to say that we're getting better at developing our assessments to target the knowledge skills and abilities. performance examinations have the highest validity coefficient which simply means that they're the best at predicting employee success and so we're

035running more of those types of exams. Um this shows um appointments and separations. You can see uh resignation separations of retirements. uh we had 29 in 2023 um and 34 in 2024 and then we you dipped down to 18 last year. So again thinking about you know the work that we've done in employee ga engagement helping employees to see career paths here um you know and then having a competitive pay structure I think it's all contributed to that and then finally this data set shows the classifications that um uh that we approved um and you see a big uptick from last year to the year before 2024 and that's because of the compent class study because all of these job classes you know and the uh pay structure the hierarchy all that stuff gets funneled

036through the personnel commission for approval. So uh some of those reclasses were outside of the study but uh we were really busy in uh in this area last year. So looking ahead, I think this is going to be an ongoing effort. The increased promotional only recruitments. Uh I think the ultimate goal is to be really good at uh finding top talent and highly qualified people to join our agency and then developing them and running promotional only recruitments to promote them to take on higher level roles. And I think that's the one of the most effective ways to develop your your human capital. Um, and then refining our assessment procedures. Again, you know, getting better at what we do to develop very specific targeted recruitment and assessment tools at our disposal so we can find that

037top talent. Um, you know, using cutting edge technology and new methods to to um recruit and uh conduct assessment. And that's this is it. This is our final slide. I do want to thank all the um raiders that sat on our oral panels. Um we can't do our work without them and and some of them are inhouse and some of them are external and they take their time out of their busy days to sit on our oral panels. And I also want to give a shout out to our IT and facilities departments. This slide has been the same every single year. And so maybe some of you have seen this and seen this guy's lazy doesn't update his slides. But I can't overstate how much we lean on our IT and facilities departments. Um just

038about four or five months ago, we were dealing with some real technology related challenges and we were exploring um a new technology uh software that we wanted to implement and it they were so good at helping us kind of navigate and resolve those issues. So a big shout out to everyone that works in it and Jay Takahashi who is our CTO. Any questions? Any comments or questions from the board? Trusty love. >> Thank you. Thanks for the presentation. I just wanted to say two things, two comments. Great to see the link to the strategic plan. You know, I've reflecting on that thinking be great to see that almost every presentation how the work is linked to the strategic plan. And then also just all the work that you and HR have done to work together

039on behalf of the county office, the staff, all in service to students. I remember days when they that wasn't happening, you know, and it didn't benefit anyone um especially not the employees. So I appreciate all the effort that's gone into really looking forward and taking care of folks. So thanks. >> Other comments or questions? Trusty Alvaro, >> thank you. I agree with everything she just said, but I also wanted to thank the the three personnel commissioners because they put in a lot of time and energy and effort to uh be the board for everything that the personnel commission does and that's really valuable. Thank you for what you're doing and and I agree that moving back in with HR and and working together closely with HR just makes so much sense and the opposite made

040very little sense. So I'm really glad that you're able to do that. One of the um complaints that we have heard in the past has been that the process now I know we're not doing a lot of hiring right now because we're not having a lot of turnover which is great but the process was taking so long that we had vacancies that just went on and on and on and on. Is is that something that you feel like you got under under control now? Is what's happening that's different? Yeah, I think um you know with building standards and accountability I think we have gotten that really you know we've we've shrunk that as much as we can. Um we've seen where administrators will take longer to interview and select a person than it takes for

041us to actually give them candidates. Um, but I think also the competent class study approving that really helped our ability to recruit and run an efficient uh, you know, if you're not paying competitive wages, then part of the problem is that you go out, you don't find, you know, top talent and then you have to recruit and then rerecruit and then go back and sometimes you find yourself running three or four different recruitments for the same position. So right now we don't have a single parent educator position open which is really really rare since I've been here. It's always been a hard to fill position. >> We have we just filled our last um uh special ed par educator uh special ed pair educator position and we're able to develop a subpole also. So about

042a year ago um I was having conversations with Sarah Notch uh executive de director of uh engagement and I can't remember her title but you know she is about potentially using a temp agency because we couldn't staff uh we couldn't build a subpole you know and and the agency is legally responsible for complying with IEPs and providing service to kids um and you know after approving this comp and class study you know, it not only were we able to fill positions, but we were able to to develop a subpole. So, it's had a huge impact. >> That's big. Congratulations. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Trusty Adios. >> Well, I also want to uh second what both of them said, but also uh thank you for the the explanation at the beginning. Uh it is new

043to me. Um, but following up on what you just said about special education, I think it's great to hear because there is every single day the student needs to have services, right? So, like you said, if if those positions are not filled, you're out of compliance, right? And and and not only that, but the students are are also losing that that um those services. But I the other thing that I like that make a comment is about um the career pathways for employees because I think about like the pair educators, right? Like if there's possibilities for them to continue to be within um you know Sato County um employment and upscale and then you have your pool of others ready to come in. I think it's a great way of uh you know we hear

044so much about this the teacher shortage and um so I really appreciate the presentation today because it kind of gives the idea of how important this aspect of supporting students and families is right and and the are sometimes areas we don't think about but it makes so much sense that we have the right people um and then uh you also said about finding highly qualified individuals too right not just finding not just making sure that the the um the position is filled but also making sure that the person that is selected for that position is is highly qualified. So I appreciate that. So thank you for the presentation. Other comments or questions from the board? just echoing um I really did appreciate the connection back to um the strategic plan and seeing how where it

045fits and all of that for um for folks who might not have that understanding and thank you for spending the extra time at the beginning for um for all of us even as a refresher and for our new board members. So thank you. >> Um are there any comments or questions from the public? >> No raised hands. >> There is no action to take on this item. Thank you for item 60. Superintendent Chavez will provide information on Superintendent policy 1445, response to immigration enforcement. Superintendent Chavez. >> Yes. Thank you, President Torres. Um on February 5th, 2026, the uh policy subcommittee met and um with Chris House and myself attended that meeting. They reviewed five um five policies um that um were newly updated by CSBA and provided uh drafts um and deputy attorney Cho suggested

046those that we start with those um because one of them specifically this one has a timeline that that needs to be updated uh uploaded to CDE um by March 1st. And so in those conversations um it was determined that out of the five four of them would be superintendent policies. This is one of them and a board policy which you'll see later. And then the remaining three will come before you on March 4th for superintendent policies. So this one specifically um it's uh again on response to immigration enforcement. Um you have it there before you. Um there is really no edits from the subcommittee. Um but I did catch one that I will make after this. Um it starts uh the the county board of education is committed and it should be the county superintendent

047is committed. So we'll make that adjustment. And then also in the committee there was a um a question that came up regarding the the second paragraph there um to provide examples of what um these federal unless required by state or f federal law um what is what are those documents that um examples of documents that we shouldn't be collecting. And so, um, just in talking to staff and our team members and also conversation, um, came up that FAFSA, for example, was is one of those documents. It sometimes requires a social security number and, um, that would be something that, um, an example where we might ask a student to provide that. Um, however, I've learned since that conversation that now um E10 numbers, the uh I was just googling it and that stands for uh

048electronic transmitter identification number which is a five-digit number or an uh or an EI uh EIN number, employee identification number can also be used. Um and also birth certificates for example are commonly uh requested um to provide a certification of birth dates. Um but now there are alternative documents that families can provide that doesn't have to be a birth certificate. So just information that um the question that was asked um during the this process. So um I'll entertain any questions that you may have on this one. Um, any comments or questions from the board? I'm seeing none. Any from the public? I don't see raised hands. Uh, there is no action to take on this item. Thank you. For item 6E, the public hearing on initial proposal for the California School Employees Association, chapter 158

049to the Sanonteo County Superintendent of Schools for the 2025 through 2026 successor collective bargaining agreement is now open. Would anyone like to speak on this issue? am seeing none. So this hearing is now closed for item 6F, the public hearing on the initial proposal for the Sato County Superintendent of Schools to the California Schools Employees Association, chapter 158 for the 2025 through 2026 successor collective bargaining agreement is now open. Would anyone like to speak on this issue? I'm seeing none. So this hearing is now closed. For item 6G, we have superintendent's comments. Superintendent Chavez, do you have any comments to share? >> Uh, yes. Um, I just want to express my gratitude and um that I am honored that um that I was appointed. Um, and that I don't take the responsibility lightly. Um, I

050am very grateful that I'm able to support and advocate uh for students and families in this county specifically that that ones that need it most. Um, and um, it's it's a great responsibility and I'm up for the challenge, but also there's that heart element, the element of leading with heart and connecting and um, uplifting um, our team members, our community members, our community partners. So again, I'm I'm grateful for the opportunity and um, I'm looking forward to working with all of you and everyone else. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um for item 7A, the board will receive an update on the board docs transition process and choosing a new agenda uh posting platform. Uh Superintendent Chavez. >> Good evening, board president Torres, board members, and members of the public. Um and deputy attorney Cho. I'm

051getting a lot of air time tonight. Okay. So, um this evening, um we want to provide you information um that um on this process to um uh transition from our current Board Docs uh platform to a new one. And so, um, back in in May, we learned that Board Docs as a platform will no longer exist as we know it and it will transition to, um, uh, to Diligent uh, which is a different company. And, um, in August, we um came before you and share with you some of the processes that we were following, some of the different platforms that we were looking to explore. And then at that time you all shared some elements or some areas that we value in the platforms that we wanted to make sure that the new um platform

052or whatever platform we cho we choose um has them or are aligned to. And so currently here at SMCE we have um five um uh uh five uh governing bodies that use uh a platform similar to uh board docks. We have obviously the work that we do with the with the county board. We have the uh uh the child care partnership council, the uh county uh committee on school district organization and special education local plan area. And so um in this process, we've engaged with um representatives from all of these governing bodies to make sure that we were um getting their feedback and their opinion on on the new platform. Um and so again we're our timeline that is set forth by uh boardox is really to implement and switch over to a new platform

053by April and um this is these are have been the activities or how we've engaged in the process um that we collected feedback from different districts and what what were what were the platforms that districts were using other county offices. So we collected that feedback um so that we we could surface what uh was being used out there. Uh we received demonstrations from the different um from different uh platforms or vendors. Um and then this is the the list there before you are are those um uh priorities that we wanted to make sure that these platforms had. I remember specifically from the board that you um shared that you were interested in making sure that our archives were would be able to transition into the new platform. And um and then we also uh consulted

054with our own um staff members, our staff e expertise to make sure that the platforms that we were evaluating um were meeting these priorities. Um we talked to um our communications team around the branding. Uh we talked to our IT team around data privacy uh security uh in terms of the technology um and then the the support um from the uh vendors. So with all that work and we looked at uh uh reviewed a total of five um different platforms and with all of the reviews and and the conversations we had um our team landed on these two uh diligent uh which is the where uh the new platform that board docs uh will move into um and then uh the California schoolboards association uh gamut uh meetings. It's a a platform that they developed

055and it's powered by Simbi. And so I'm just going to walk you through um the just some of the the the comparisons of the two uh platforms. I'll go through that briefly. You also receive this document that has the the different um the the the information for the for the two platforms. And so as it relates to um to privacy or secure security and privacy um the Clarissa Tom who works in our IT department did compare both and reviewed the the privacy agreements for both and she um shared that um the data privacy is more comprehensive on the diligent side or the diligent uh platform versus the um the gamut uh meetings platform. Uh one of her statements is that IT department found a very general uh privacy policy for example that is um vague

056and weak. Um and so that was her comparison there. um the longevity of the platform because I also the team wanted to to uh to move into a platform that we felt that we was going to be um in existence for a period of longer period of time and so they felt that Diligent was modern. It was built um at a global scale. Um so it had more um uh uh it it could exist much further u where gamut was uh less evidence that they would be uh in existence for long term. the data migration history. This is a the area that was um shared by that was important to a lot of us and so um the data migration with from a diligent um in conversations with their vendors seemed to be part of

057the process and that um all of our or most of our uh archives would be transferred into this new platform whereas uh we didn't get the same feeling from um from Gamut. And in terms of appearance and branding, um, when we looked at, see if I can go back. Um, yeah, this slide here, you can see the the slide on the left. Um it's it it seems more intuitive if we were to go and and um and create and purchase um different um for the different governing boards that we house here. Um they would each have their own page and it would be uh be intuitive where the gamut it looks like um it would uh you can see it it seems like it's just a list of uh of documents there. Go back here.

058Um, I go too far. Not I'll find it there. Yes. Um, and then in terms of pricing, um, it's roughly about $10,000. Um and it would for diligent and it would um include all of the different governing um uh boards that we have here at at uh SMCOE. Um and that it would include the migration um into the platform. for Gamut, it would be about $7,000 for each of the governance uh boards. Um and then uh possibly an extra fee for the migration of the archives. So that would be roughly about $28,000 for for the gamut translation into different languages. They both seem to be um similar that they use the Google Translate features. Um and so they they were equal there. Um and then in in terms of functionality in multiple devices like using

059it on your cell phone, laptop or tablet um they both seem to have similar uh functionality and then intuitive to users there. Our team felt like the diligent was more intuitive. Um and so they uh they gave it a better rating and then AC accessibility um both had similar um um tools and features. Um, in terms of searching features like going in and searching the the platform for documents, um, it seems like on Diligen you can search all content including um, attachments and with Gamut um, you would only be to search agendas and minutes. And then customer service. Um again the team felt like the 24 hours a day, seven days a week was great um versus uh gamut that was uh provided during business hours. So in terms of next steps uh we want

060to get your opinion on on on the platform so answer any questions you may have. Um if you any of you want us to reach out and maybe walk you through some of the videos of of each of these and see some of the features we can do that. Um then once we se we would then engage in selecting a platform writing a a contract um and then begin uh the roll out and implementation with training merging uh the archives um and then having you all use the new platform. So with that I'll entertain questions. Any comments or questions from the board trusty love? >> Uh thank you. I'd kind of forgotten about this process. I had to go back and look at the minutes from August. But thank you. It seems to me that

061this is kind of a straightforward um choice when you look at the options. Plus, having worked on the Gamut site extensively, um not a fan of that. And um so that's just sort of observations I had. Um I was curious about the annual cost. Are they similar in and the annual cost? I think that 10,000 was like the setup cost or the 28,000 and then >> but it's it it'll it roughly it'll be the same. Um um we didn't see any significant decrease on on the annual. >> Okay. And then the last thing um and this came up at the previous meeting we discussed this just opportunities to um bring in other districts who may want to use that to you know come in with our deal maybe get a better price something like that.

062Um we for example with Diligent it was just for our um our building all the governance um boards within our building but not um out to the districts. >> Well maybe it's something to think about but I do like that it's much less 7,000 times 4 versus 10,000. Thanks. >> And I will say though, um, and Jennifer reminded me, we got we received this quote back, uh, earlier in, uh, in the year, so it may be slightly different, but it's roughly that. >> Just one other thing, I understand also that this, um, diligence has a really strong AI component to it, so it should help with minutes and accuracy and doing that. So, it just seems like a much more modern approach. Thanks. >> Thank you. Thank you, Trusty O'Neal. >> Um, I have to

063agree with Trusty Love. It seems like the decision's pretty simple. And again, this is one of the decisions I think staff would be in there every day. And if staff seems to prefer one of them over the other, I would support staff's decision. And again, I would like to see is is there any discount we could get if we were if other districts were to sign up with Diligent, assuming that's who we do. Um, but I think from your presentation, Diligent seems the better of the two. >> Great. Thank you. We'll make sure we follow up with them. Thank you, Chesty Benini. >> Thank you. Um, I'm curious. I know you said you reviewed five. um were it seems like there's a really big difference between these two in terms of the features. Were the

064other ones much closer to gamut? I'm just curious like >> my understanding it because I started with a with a process and then I stepped away and the team led it which was great but my understanding is that yes it was um diligent gamut and then all the others because some of them did not have those priority areas and so these two did match of all of the priority areas but obviously they were um they were different >> but yes some of the other ones did not have those areas. >> Okay, thank you. Well, even with those differences, it seems um like it might be more seamless since it is the new version of Board Docs. Um did they give um an indication like the time frame that we have? I'm assuming they're going offline

065so they would help us be online by the time um they're not functioning in Boardocks anymore. Is that the April? Is April a reasonable time frame, I guess? >> Yes. Um, so Boroc gave us the April deadline. Um, however, they're like, well, if you really want to purchase another month, you have that flexibility. Diligent. Uh, they're um they move pretty quickly. They're global and so they um they seem to be ready positioned to um to transition us. >> Okay. And my last question is, do you have a sense of um the cost? I mean, the price that we're paying now and like how different it is than the diligent cost. Is it going up because it's this new company or is it pretty much the same? Just curious. >> It is going up, but I

066don't have the exact number. That's great. >> So, I I can email it to the board members. Apologies. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thank you. That was my question. Trusty Alvaro. >> Thank you. Um, I just want to echo those of us who've been on the policy subcommittee hate simply with a passion. Uh, and for really good reason. I mean, I I tried to log on several months ago. We were doing something and I tried to log on and it told me that there was Sanonteo County Office of Ed didn't have a connection to the gamut, which we knew we had all our board policies loaded up on. So, That alone is enough to not want to deal with those people because they just it's it's confusing. And we want this to look good

067to the public, too. We want the public to be able to go in like they can now and say what's going to be in the next board agenda, what's going to be on the next SEPA board agenda. And I don't trust Simly and Gamut. So I I really appreciate all this and the certainly the financial savings and everything is but it just and the main thing is also we our interface as a board we use it but we don't use it constantly. We use it right before a board meeting. We got our docs and sometimes we search for something in the past, but staff uses it constantly. And anything that can make it easier and more seamless for staff to just say it's ready is guess my vote. >> Appreciate it. Thank you. Other comments

068or questions from the board? Trusty Adas. >> Uh thank you for that, Susan. You made me think about access like um is there like different when the public when the public wants to access uh languages or any accessibility features are those in >> Yes. Yes. And that was important to our team and I believe it was raised here with with the board that the accessibility features um that are u and both of the both gamut and diligent were had that accessibility for the public for the uh outdoor facing >> like if they're trying to find the agenda or past documents or >> Yes. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Uh Trusty Gerard. >> Um thank you. I really uh want to thank you for all of the uh research and work that has gone into

069this to make sure that we really do get the right thing in place. Um and that will be easier for everyone to use. Um because if if you can't use it, what good is it? And nobody does and then all we have is complaints. So, this really sounds like it's going to meet the needs of not only everyone in the county office, but board members and the public as well. And uh I know speaking personally, if it's not easy to use, you'll probably hear complaints from me. Um because when we do need it, it's usually urgent. It's not that we spend our Sunday afternoons, you know, browsing through um websites or well maybe some people do. I don't. But anyway, I just really want to say thank you for all the research and work that's

070gone into it because I know it is and I would be throwing a fit if we were even talking about Gamut because I was involved with the beginning of that and I did not use it like the policy committee had to. even as much as I did, it was so frustrating. I was ready to scream. So, um, thank you. >> Well, I'll pass on the gratitude of the board to Jennifer Pera, to Rosemary Pabon, um, Jay Takahashi. They've all been working on this process. Ian, um, to get this and and really attending a a lot of the the sessions. So, thank you. >> Well, thank you to all of them. We we really really really appreciate it. Thank you. Trust. >> Um, this I'm kind of taking this off. Um, Trusty Aras's is okay. It

071has Google Translate for language, but there are federal laws regarding accessibility for someone with a physical handicapped. And does do they both meet those criteria? >> They meet those standards. Yes. >> Okay. Like you don't need you don't need to use a mouse all the time. You can Yes. To to Yeah. Other comments or questions from the board? I'm seeing none from the public. Um there is no action to take on this item. Um don't go anywhere. For item 7B, uh the board will engage at a first reading um of updated board policy um 450 comprehensive safety plan. No action is required. This will come back to the board at its March 4th, 2026 meeting for its second reading and potential action. Uh before we begin, are there any comments from the public? >> I

072don't see comments from the public. >> Superintendent Chavez. >> Um yes. So again, the the policy subcommittee uh reviewed um the this um the comprehensive uh safety plan. This was an update um to our existing policy. Just to note that the um highlighted in green was uh the committee's recommendation in language and then the items that uh highlighted in yellow they there they were either um the committee decided to remove those um or andor replace with uh some of the the green highlighted items. Um and also um there was a question on page two uh right above um the tactical response plan um item where where it reads by October 15 of 15 of each year the superintendent or designate shall notify the California Department of Education of schools that have not complied with the

073requirements of this ed code. Um, and the question that came up was, do we have one uh someone that's already doing that work here? Um, and who who uh that is responsible to to submitting? Um, Becky Stefen, she's our coordinator for school safety and student support. So, she is our person that ensures that our safety plans that come before you that are um that are submitted to CTE by that date. >> Thank you. Um, any comments or questions from the board? Any from the public? >> None from the public. There is no action to take on this item. Um, for item 7 C, the board now has the opportunity to cast its ballot for the California School Boards Association CSBA delegate assembly. Is there any discussion or are there any questions? Any comments from the

074public? >> No comments. Is there a motion? Yes, Trusty Benini. >> We make a motion before we >> up to you whether it's a motion or if you anything to discuss. >> Um the deadline for the um submissions for the incumbents passed and um a couple of the um those who uh were incumbents, one was able to sort of get their their name in and the other was not. Um, and so as we vote, I don't know, I guess with the motion, um, I would propose that we include Mary Beth Alexander from the Cababrio, uh, school district, um, as the third candidate. >> She's the current incumbent. >> Um, is there a motion, >> Trusty Gerard? >> Um, yes. I would uh like to uh move that we appoint Chelsea Benini and Mary Beth Alexander

075to the delegate assembly. Is there one more? >> Terry Chavez. >> Uh pardon me, >> Terry Chavez. >> And Terry Chavez as um representatives from Sonteo County to delegate assembly >> district five. >> Thank you. Is there a second? >> I second that. >> Thank you. Uh there's a motion to appoint Chelsea Benini, Mary Beth Alexander, and Terry Chavez um as representatives to delegate assembly for district 5. U made by Trusty Gerard and a second by Trusty Alvaro. Is there any further discussion? >> All those in favor say I. I. >> I. All those opposed say no. The motion passes with a vote of 70 and the board has voted to appoint Chelsea Benini, Mary Beth Alexander, and Terry Chavez um to delegate assembly for district 5. Um for item 7D, when an ad hoc

076subcommittee meets or a representative attends a meeting regarded to their given assignment, board members may choose to bring a report to the board at this time. Would any board members like to report out? Trusty Alvaro. >> Thank you. the the YMCA Jones Gulch subcommittee met and um got a couple things done. We approved the payment which is the most recent invoice for the work that has already been completed and that was already approved by this board. Um that is the the most recent invoice. We approve that and we have a couple of things coming forward in March and I'm going to look to board president Chavez and see if we have a date yet. >> President Torres, >> I meant President. >> Uh, yes. We just discussed it. Um, can you remind me of the

077date? >> March 18. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. So, March 18. I'm sorry. >> Okay. >> Brain damage today. March 18, we will have a presentation from staff of the YMCA, probably Nico, who is their uh construction coordinator, um on the new housing builds and question answer from the board. So, this will be a complete this is what they're proposing, this is what's going to cost, here's pictures, here's diagrams, and we can ask questions to to say what it is. And then uh we will have an opportunity to review andor approve those projects with the budget to be built so that we can get started on that. And then in I know uh deputy superintendent Bolta is in contact with Nico so we'll make sure he has that date. And then in April, approximately a

078month later, we would like to have on the board agenda to discuss and or approve the the new maintenance agreements. We have a 20 five year we have a 25-y year lease which goes to 2043. And rather than write a new lease, which is crazy making, to try to make some changes around maintenance, we're proposing um maintenance addendums that would include maintenance for the new for the new buildings and the and the work that's being done. And we're all working on that. So, we'll have something to bring forward in April uh for the board to look at and hopefully approve new maintenance agreements that'll be an addendum to the to the lease. So, we won't change the lease until 2043, at which point most of us will have graciously stepped backwards. So, that's what we're

079working on. And if this all goes well, we'll have um begin to have some building happening with the new director housing and and principal housing and uh intern housing. So that's that's pretty exciting stuff. I also had asked uh deputy superintendent Baltimore if he would look the money from the sale of the Lomar property got put into got sort of swept into fund 40 and we knew it was there but we didn't have an accurate breakdown of exactly what was there. Um so he has looked into that and and gave me some numbers. Um, so it will now have its own little envelope within fund 40 so that we know what we what we have for spending on capital improvements at Jones Gulch separate from all the other facilities master plan stuff. So here's here's

080an interesting number. When we got done with the original tax, I won't go into all the details. Anybody can ask me offline with if they want to know details, but when we got done with the money that we had from selling the Lomar property, we had just under $5 million because of the interest earnings. We've and we have spent a little over a million to date to do what we've already done up at Jones Gulch. Because of all the interest earnings, our fund has gone down by about $100,000. So we've actually earned enough in interest that the fund is only I mean we've spent a million dollars and it looks like a hundred,000. So that's pretty pretty good. So we're still looking at having very close to $5 million in that fund. Uh still earning

081interest and still to spend on improvements up at Jones Gulch. So I'm feeling pretty good about that. And I don't know if uh either of you or Deputy Superintendent Baltimore have anything to add? >> Sounds good. But I think there are questions for the subcommittee. >> Chelsea Benini. >> Oh. Um, you answered one of my questions which was how much was the amount that's kind of the carve out of fund 40 because we've been looking at fund 40 for other things and so it's good to know what that is. So, it's around five million. >> Yeah. Okay. And then my second question was more of a like confirmation. Didn't we a few months ago or maybe it's longer now um approve already a certain amount for this additional housing? It was some was on our

082agenda or will that come back to us? I I thought we approved it. So, I was just curious. Yes, the board um it would it would already been approved, but there was $4.5 million of capital improvements to be made out of Camp Jones Gulch. >> And so um I think Trustee Alva mentioned that um that the rest of the projects to spend that $4.5 million were approved by the subcommittee. What we're talking about here is the administrative housing which is separate than the $4.5 million commitment we had already made. >> Okay, that's helpful. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. Other questions for the subcommittee. Would any other subcommittees like to report out? Trusty Love. >> Thank you. Um I had two reports. One is the policy subcommittee. Um I want to thank the committee.

083um and staff, we got together and moved quickly to get things done to meet the March 1st deadline. Appreciate that that was um you know, highlighted for us. I know that Trusty Alvaro has been also nervous about that deadline. So, I'm glad we got that done. And I actually hope that we I found it useful having sort of you, the deputy attorney, find like a chunk of things we need to focus on. And if we can kind of keep that going because if it's just this big list, it's very overwhelming. And so, if we can find sort of the next key thing we need to get done, that would be very helpful so that we don't go months and months and months and then get in a rhythm if it's every six months or whatever

084it needs to be to actually do this process when we're caught up. It'd be great. So, thank you to everybody and Okay. >> Yes. >> I just want to comment um I was uh nice to rejoin the policy committee. Um, and I I did appreciate that we had a task to do, you know, like a uh five policies to go through. And of course, the list is longer. And I just wanted to um I didn't raise it in the committee because um in the the last meeting, I didn't raise what I'm going to say now because um I just wanted to focus on what we were doing and get reaclimated to like what the work is. But I did want to remind that there were a couple of items that I had requested as agenda

085items, but they might be additional policies or policy review. So we need to put those on the list for the policy committee. So just note. So that's definitely on the list and we need to figure out what they are and then move them forward. And I don't know if those are going to be board policies or superintendent policies, but we'll figure that out in the committee at least. >> Well, they might be parallel policies. Yes. >> Okay. It's great. So thank you. uh comments or questions for that subcommittee. Okay. Uh next reporter. >> Okay. Thank you. And the next one, um the advocacy subcommittee met to sort of plan for the upcoming year. Uh we weren't a full committee. We were missing one of our members. So, um but we did have a good conversation

086talking about things we want to focus on. One was the vehicle licensing fee issue. Um, I understand that Superintendent Chavez is on the subcommittee that is actually tasked with working on that because we had offered from the board to support, but so we will offer that to you if you need anything from us to support with it. But that was an area that we identified as a priority for our advocacy as well as just helping and this came out of our um retreat just um board members giving a toolkit what they need to go out and talk to school districts and really be advocates in the community on behalf of students and and schools. And then we talked about special ed and we talked about a few other things. So I was tasked with writing

087up those notes which I didn't do that we just met last week and I need to run them through the committee before we share more on that. But that's kind of where we are. and the um issue of special education funding from the federal government came up and some other things. That's my report. >> Thank you, Just O'Neal. >> Um one of the issues we were talking about was the VLF cuts from the county and I want to appreciate um Superintendent Chavez and Kevin were able to supply to us what funds the county office of ed gets from the county and what programs they support. So that if the cuts do come downhill from the county, do we as a board want to advocate locally for what items on there? Because there are some a

088couple items that are really important to education and I don't know if they're and I asked some specific questions but I don't know if they were able to get to them or not. So, >> I did see an email from U Deputy Bol with Superintendent Bolta and they asked staff to compile that information just off the top of my head. Big lift is is one of >> really learning in a couple areas that program is and I don't know I think some of that's passed through but that was one of the questions. Right. >> Um >> and Big Lift >> I think >> yes the other one is escaping me. Um the >> Oh, United for Youth. >> United for Youth. Yes. >> Is another one. Right. >> So, I am attending the uh that

089committee meeting tomorrow at 8 a.m. Um and so I'm I'll take notes and see what surfaces in terms of strategy for addressing the the funding shortfall and then I'll I'll share with the advocacy committee. >> Thank you. And I just want to add one more thing. So, we went uh um President Torres and I went to the county's meeting to sort of explain this among other things. And I wanted to um add, you know, they want everybody to support them in getting this money that the state is taking away from them. But we were clear to mention that there's a lot of money that's taken away from the county office of education as well. And if the county wants to jump in and help us get our money back, too, that would be really great.

090So, >> see about that. And for that meeting, there was a quick report or a sheet that they distributed to everyone who attended and Jennifer Pererna uh sent that out to the whole board today. So, thank you, Trusty Alvaro. >> Yeah, I appreciated getting that document, by the way. That was really helpful. One thing I really notice in terms of potential reductions that I mean obviously we have to advocate for what we have to advocate but but in terms of just working hand inand is the child literacy pro programs especially through the local libraries because and I would put in also the adult literacy programs to the local libraries because so many of the adults that we are helping are the parents of the children that we have in school and, you know, trying to

091get those kids to become not become long-term English learners. A lot of that is helped by having parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles who are more fluent. So, I just feel like we can't advocate for everything in the world, but those literacy programs are I think they're critical to the work we do. So, I just wanted to bring that out. Trusty Love. >> And I just want to say so one of the reasons we were activated, I'm not sure if everybody is aware of that, was that the county um original proposal was to go after funding excess property taxes from school districts. And so um our high school districts were consulted and so they were really feeling just an enormous attack. and they were basically the county's proposal was don't worry um this money

092will be transferred to us and then you can get backfilled from the state but they're not getting backfilled from the state. So they think they're kind of passing the problem of the county getting backfilled to the schools getting backfilled from the state and they heard loud and clear from the superintendent that they met with that that really wasn't workable and they have a huge long list which we can also share with you um to make their case on that. So, it's not necessarily advocating for their programs, but it was really just kind of making sure we were helping our districts take care of theselves. >> Trusty Benini. >> Oh, and I just wanted to as I was processing it and learning about what they were initially trying to do, um I was thinking about it

093in terms of our excess property tax because that basically is our community funded amount that's already taken and there's no backfill. So, um, so I appreciate you both of you going to that and raising the issue of potentially, you know, we're in this together, so let's all fight to get our money back from the state. >> Ian Bane was also in attendance. >> Oh, and Ian, thank you. >> Thank you. Um, any other comments or questions for the subcommittee? Would any other subcommittee like to report out? Um, before we move on to board comments, um, we do need to swear in Marco Chavez. um so he can assume his duties. Um I will hand it over to Deputy Attorney Cho um for anything additional that I might have missed. >> So we have the loyalty

094oath here. So our board president Torres will administer the oath to Marco Chavez. Maybe we can do it at the front here. Yeah. Me neither. Okay. Um, so you will raise your right hand and then repeat after me. I, Marco Chavez, do solemnly swear >> do solemnly swear >> um that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> I will that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> against all enemies, foreign and domestic >> against all enemies, foreign and domestic. that I will bear fair true faith >> that I will bear true faith >> and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States >> in allegiance to the

095Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of California >> that I take this obligation freely >> without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion >> without any mental reservation or purpose of of evasion. and that I will well and faithfully discharge. >> Repeat. >> And that I will well and faithfully discharge >> that I will that I will well and faithfully discharge >> the duties upon which I'm about to enter >> the duties of which I'm about to enter. >> Thank you. And you are now sworn in to superintendent of Thank you. Um, thank you. Um, for both. Yes. Oh, I forgot to do um our agenda items. There we go. I'm sorry because I had my notes all over the place. So, first uh item 7E, uh the board will discuss uh

096future board agendas. Uh before I move on to board members um sharing, I just want to share the conversation that Superintendent Chavez and Vice President Gerard and I had. Um so attached you have a list of the topics that have been mentioned. Um our plan is to discuss and act at the next meeting in regards to which items to prioritize since we do have a list. Um I did say that any requests coming from the subcommittees um should be pushed forward. Um and so if there are any topics that are not listed um we could share that out now. Um or if there are any additional um topics you'd like to discuss um we will include that in the on the list so that way we can um vote on them at the next meeting

097if that makes sense. Trusty Benini. >> So mine aren't new. They're um just raising ones that have been raised before that are not on the list. So um I just want to remind that we had um a request and we can vote on it if we need to at the next meeting for priority. That's fine. But um in December I raised the um cell phone policy update which is actually coming up for re we've required to do that by July. So it would be good to know what we actually are doing. Um so that's one and it's just a reminder. Um the the next one um I think it was raised a couple of times at the last meeting which is the polic or the process that we want to go through for our getting

098a student board member in place um and or a liaison. Um but I I have heard um chatter of uh students who may not be in our schools who may not be a liaz or on the youth commission who still might want to apply and I think that falls under our policy too. So, I think we need some guidance and maybe some in in that um agenda item. Maybe it needs to be kind of a discussion of how we're going to share that out to the public because students are asking and they don't know what to do. So, that's just um for that one. And then um the the last one that I have also um raised uh prior is um the CAC recruitment for the SULPA that um uh we as liaison um for

099um trustee areas and I as leaison to the SULPA have discussed this um and we want to um initiate a process so that we can make appointments. So again it wasn't a new one it was prior. >> Yes. Thank you. Um, Trusty Love, >> is this for new items or for the current items? >> Uh, both. >> Um, I would like, if it's possible to have a report on implementation of the strategic plan, doesn't have to be long. Just sort of here's the main goals and here's where we are in um, working on them. And then if there's roles for the board, like we're not getting somewhere on a couple of them that the board could then assist um, with it. so that the we keep moving forward with that. >> Thank you. >> Uh

100trusty alias. >> Um I think it's more like a just making sure or addition to the juvenile justice and delinquency present pres uh prevention commission presentation. I just wanted to make sure or ask um that the the youth voices there is present. So when that is requested or when is the presentation comes in um I would really like to have the youth voice also being there um kind of like what they did for the conference. >> Yeah, I will add that they did reach out um with some potential dates. So now it's just scheduling, but that's something that we can add um once we respond to the communication. >> Okay, appreciate that. >> Um I think we're looking at potentially April. Um but I could be wrong, but >> yes. Okay, thank you. Um >>

101and um also would really like to have a presentation about United for Youth how um where where we sending I know that is is is a process and that you know there's a lot of presentations and um activities going on about it but a presentation about um united for youth would be great again really related with also uh presentation about core and community schools family and student engagement Um I continue to think it's important to know how is it uh happening. Uh a little bit of a we talk about strategic plan and you know the LCAP and all the plans that we have for uh core community schools but I would like to also hear those that are receiving the services. um not necessarily them coming in but uh having a presentation of how I've

102heard the plan like this might happen and we're planning this but I would really like to know like what happened last year what happened last semester you know just really to get keep us updated in that area. >> Thank you. Um other topics um I will add one um for the department of um diversity, equity, and inclusion. Um I recently was at a public event where um they talked about their work that they were doing with um with ICE and immigration and supporting our schools and um our students and families. Um so I know we haven't heard from them. um we've heard from other groups, but I think it'd be great to to hear from them and what they're um working on and collaborating on with the rest of the team. Um and again, the

103rationale for bringing this to the next um meeting is since there is a large list, we want to I think it's important to prioritize so that way it's within um the staff's bandwidth um and that way we approach it um one step at a time as we can. Um any other comments before we move on? Thank you. Um there is no action to take on this item. Um for item 7F, uh board members will comment. Uh Trusty Albaro, >> thank you. Just just a couple of things as we talked about the vehicle license fee and the cut, you know, and oh it'll get back filled later on. When I attended the capital advisor's budget workshop a few weeks ago once again the governor was manipulating Prop 98 and underfunding it this time by 5.6 billion.

104So there's some question whether that's even constitutional. Cap Advisors is definitely looking into that and it's certainly not prudent because the money is going to be used to fund other projects. It's just like the money that gets swept away from us from our education money getting swept into the courts. Do the courts need money? Sure. Should it come from education? No. So, it's we're looking at that on top of the the VLF. So, this idea that this the state can just kind of keep sweeping stuff away and saying, "Oh, we'll we'll backfill it later is it it's not happening. It hasn't been happening and it's not going to happen in the near future." So, so I do appreciate everybody who's working on that, CSBA and ACCBE and everybody. Um, I wanted to to say to

105Superintendent Chavez, you've worked with you a long time, Marco, and I've always admired your heart that you bring to the work. Um, dedication, smarts, all that. You've got it. No problem. But the heart is a really important piece of the work that we do and you have always brought your heart to the work and it's why I've always liked working with you. Right. So to have you willing to take the helm which you have been doing for several months and you know I know I've thanked you for that and I thank you again for that because you've really been able to keep us steady with your you know the rest of cabinet everybody but I but I know the leadership role that you've taken. So, I'm really grateful that you're willing to step into this

106role and I'm really excited to be able to call you Superintendent Chavez for for a year anyway. So, thank you. And then the last thing I have which you know there's been a lot of discussion about schools um all of us the board of supervisors is talking about it but but schools are talking about you know the idea of regulating ebikes and e-ostors and knowing what the difference is between them um you know what they're throttled and what speed they can go and there's just it's all very complicated. It's a really important piece and I have to tell you that just a couple of miles from where I live, one of our coastside 16-year-olds was killed um just a few days ago because he was in the habit I know who he was. I saw

107him racing up and down the street I live on a number of times. He had a dirt bike which was an emoto um and he would race it a lot up and down the highway and this time there was a box truck involved and um we have a 16-year-old child dead. So it is really important that we're talking about it. I'm really grateful that the board of supervisors is talking about it. I know Supervisor Mueller, Supervisor Spear have been really talking about it a lot and and and hosting forums. It's important that our schools are talking about it. At least two school districts, I think Portola Valley is one of them. I I think maybe St. Carlos was the other one, but I'm not sure have adopted regulations where um unlicensed um e vehicles are

108not allowed on school campuses. >> Menlo Park, >> Menllo Park, thank you, was the other one. So, kids can ride their bicycles to school. They can ride pedal assist ebikes to school, but once they cross the line into these vehicles that need licensing, they can't ride them to school. So, I think we just we need to really be aware of it as an education community. This is this is our problem, too, right now. That's all I have. Thank you. >> Thank you, Trusty Adas. >> Thank you. Well, first of all, I want to congratulate uh Superintendent Marco Chavez. Uh it's uh it's it was very interesting to see you being sworn in when you were the one to swear me in into the trusty position. So I was like, "Oh, I remember that not long

109ago." So again, congratulations and I'm really excited to continue to work with you and get your support in this position. So thank you. Uh, also wanna I'm excited to see that Ruby is here because I want to say that on Friday, February 6, I attended the Fred Kuramatsu day of civil liberties and um at the whole justice and county center. And I really want to thank uh Lisa show for welcoming and uh also giving me a um a very kind push and encouragement to talk because I was not not supposed to. But uh I did uh introduce myself in the presentation and um it was just the first time that I attended and being in the court room and be seeing all the judges and attorneys to um be willing to put their their time

110to do u an enactment like that. uh such an important day and seeing Ruby, thank you for doing all the organizing, seeing her running around and coordinating and putting the students what was next and having them really, you know, um just the way that it was presented, it was so um it came like from the students voice and the presentation, it was for them, right, to to understand the system and what happened and who Fred uh Koreatu was and how important it is to someone uh who decided to speak up and continue to uh you know advocate for the rights uh that he had as a US citizen. Um it showed uh not only there were several questions. I remember when the the or the agenda moved on into having a panel of um attorneys

111and um really inspiring the students. One of the ideas was also to see if anybody was interested to to go into the field of uh becoming an attorney but also asking questions as do you see any resemblance of what's happening today right and um and it continues to happen and it's just the that awareness to youth who are the next generation I thought it was really really important so so again thank you Lisa thank you Ruby and everybody else who was in you know organizing it and and uh gave their time to be there. I was very happy to be part of it and also had the opportunity to speak to they did a small group at the end that was like the ending a a small group with uh the students attending and I

112was in a group with six male students who were in 11 and 12th grade from Pescadero Pescadero High School um 11 and 12th grade and three of them said that they have not talked to a counselor to know what they're going to do after high school. And it kind of broke my heart uh because a couple of them who said, "Yeah, I'm thinking about going to community college." They also said, "How far it is?" And I asked, you know, "How you going to get there?" And it's like, "Well, I'm thinking maybe I'll get a car or, you know, I'll find a way." But again, um, I saw myself, you know, as Latinos that they were, these six students really quiet and started engaging the conversation how important it is the job that we do and

113the work that we do as, you know, um, as trustees here in the Sato County and and and being very conscious about those that need those supports. And I think that's why I continue to say students voice because I might think oh they need this and we can do this for them and you know but what about them like what do they need where are they standing and that was uh to me it was very eye opening to know that 11 and 12th graders have not spoken with a counselor to plan what they're going to do after school after graduating from high school. So just to bring awareness to that. Um but again it was a wonderful event and I really again I I really thank uh that I was I didn't know anybody. So

114having the the welcoming from Ruby and Lisa was really great. So thank you for that event. I look forward for next year whether I'm invited or not I'll I'll just be around because it was very very good. Um and then I also attended on Monday the quarterly SMC um SMC SBA membership meeting at the Sato County office. Uh and then on Friday the 13 I met also with uh trustee from South San Francisco Unified School District uh Amy Lamb and just really the conversation against us um the representative of the district 3 and I will be meeting with the superintendent of San Francisco South San Francisco Unified on the February 20th and the board president too just to again introduce myself and make sure that you know any information or anything that can be supported

115from the county um I can be there. So, I'm introducing myself to them and um again excited to to see what that um moves to. Thank you. >> Thank you, Trusty Benini. >> Thank you. Um I also want to start off by congratulating um Superintendent Chavez. uh we're so lucky to have you serving and thank you also for um the dialogue that we're able to have and just um your listening and all the things that you you do really well. Um I think it's it's going to be um it's going to be really nice to have you in the position. Um I want to share a couple things about SMCSVA. Um, Edith already mentioned um that we had our third quarterly meeting on the 9th and we were really lucky to have um Pam Bartfield

116from Sonteo Foster City School District talk to us about uh literacy and what they're doing in middle school. Um and that also, you know, we were talking about middle school and high school, but we just we just had the middle school perspective, but it's kind of a a work in progress and they're really learning a lot through their process. So, um it was it was a really um great conversation. So, that was that was wonderful. And then um uh we also have our fourth quarterly meeting. So, it isn't for a couple of months. It's on so mark your calendar. It's on April 20th. Um and we are going to um have a presentation from seeds to solutions. Um and that'll be that'll be also be great because I haven't seen anything too much about it

117either. So, I think our districts will really benefit from that. And then unfortunately, um, there was a communication that went out, but I just want to make sure to say it say it here, um, that we didn't have enough legislators to proceed with our, um, February 28th legislative branch. We just had too many conflicts and so we only had, I think, one legislator who was able to come. So, um, so what we are trying to do is, um, of course we're able to go to the Santa Clara County School Boards Association's, um, legislative branch if, and I haven't put out a note about that, but I think that it's on March 14th. Um, so I'll I'll, um, send a communication, but also um, we're trying, we've kind of pivoted and we're asking the legislators um,

118if they will join us for a short time on that last quarterly meeting. Um, and then also the the one legislator who said yes, I'll be there. We're asking that that person to come when all of all of them actually to come to the Kent Awards, but we're actually extending an invitation for speaking because because we appreciated that. Um, so I think SMCSBA we're, you know, we're we're we're getting to the end. We have our last few events. So that's great. Um, I also wanted to share that um, uh, I think I mentioned before that I'm now on the, uh, CSBA's AEC planning committee. So, we had our first meeting and that was it was actually a really good meeting and I'm also on the the planning content something group for the county's uh, conferences.

119So, I'm I'm doing those things with CSBA. Um, and so I I had a meeting for that, I think, too. Oh, I had a meeting and I was the only one who came and I met with Amy uh and she's the the organizer for that. So, um yeah, so I got the update on everything that was happening. So, if you want to know anything, I'll I can tell you offline. Um there's the conference that's coming up right in San Diego. So, I got to hear more about that. That's going to be really great. And then um the last thing that I attended was um the ACCBES who's who in state education. And that was really um really great. And the one thing that came out of it um which I want to thank superintendent Chavez

120for and also um board president um Torres was I shared the um conference that's uh called the breaking barriers integrated care symposium and they were talking about it a lot and a lot of good things that had come out of it. And so um so I I looked it up and I was like oh this seems like it would be really relevant to our work. And so I shared it and then it got sent out. So, I was really I was impressed by that and I just want to say thank you. Um, and then last uh but not least, I just wanted to comment too on um what Susan mentioned about the ebikes. And I know um I think there were a few of us that were at the I'm not going to remember what

121it's called, but the safe and supportive schools big five breakfast. I'm not sure what it's called. Yeah. Anyway, um they also did the presentation there which was equally I I watched the one with Jackie that Jackie Spear and Raymond Mueller did and they also presented that and um and Theresa Vias Kelly of course who's working on that and they're very focused on it and Menllo Park City School District was there talking about their upcoming policy. So um it's so important and you're right like we need to be having more conversation about it and be in in those spaces. But I'm glad it's happening in all different spaces so it can kind of hopefully come together. So, thank you for mentioning that. >> Thank you, Trusty Love. >> Thank you. I'll be brief. Um, congratulations to

122our new superintendent. Very happy. Um, we're very lucky. But I also want to just reflect that this is a very big time of transition for the county office of education. You know, a new superintendent. This is like a I feel like a big deal, right? and having worked there. Like we have a new superintendent here in San Monteo County. That's big. And then we're going to go through transition again in a few months. So I just put this out to um the staff of the county office that we're here for you if there's anything that we can do to support. I know this going to be an interesting you're in good hands, but just transition is challenging. And then to our board that if there's things that we can do to help over the next

123several months with this transition that we we do that. Um and then I just one other observation just San Carlos um was hoping to go forward with a parcel tax but didn't really find enough interest really. They were they did polling so they're not going high with June maybe November. So I think it's just another one thing for to be mindful that districts out there are still struggling and trying to do their best. San Carlos is an LCFF funded district. They really need the funds. Um, and so just see what we can do to help that effort. Thanks. >> Thank you, Trusty O'Neal. >> Like everybody, I want to congratulate Marco and and look forward to working with you for the next few months. And that's pretty much it, >> Trusty Gerard. >> Thank you.

124Well, I have to jump in and say congratulations, Superintendent Chavez. I'm sorry I messed up your nomination. I was so excited I got all tongue tied. Um but um I've worked with Marco also for many many many many years. Um and uh Trustee Alvaro hit the nail on the head. The one thing that was always there is heart. And um it's really been a pleasure working with you and I'm looking forward to working with you in the next few months. And I think probably President Torres and I have worked closer with you than most board members for the last few months because we've had at least one or two meetings a month with just you and and us. And um uh it's really been a pleasure. I think that we've accomplished a lot as far

125as communication and uh um all of all of that kind of the workings um that go on behind the scenes. And uh as Trusty Love said, we're here for you. Anything we can do um please let us know. And uh it's it's a huge undertaking and uh I think we all understand that. and uh but probably no one better than you. So um like I said, you know, we're we're right here behind you. So congratulations. Um also, uh I just wanted to mention that um and trust Trusty Benini just kind of touched on it as well at the safety breakfast that I attended um a few months ago. They did an excellent presentation on the ebikes versus motor scooters and um I just wish that could be presented at every school district throughout this county

126that that particular presentation because it went into great detail about the differences between the two and how a lot of parents are buying their kids actually motor scooters when they think they're buying them ebikes. And um two of the people that did the presentation had visited several middle schools throughout the county and counted the number of motor scooters in the parking lots. These are middle schools. These are 13 and 14 year olds, 12 in in a lot of cases. And the parents I were were assuming thought they were buying them an ebike and they were not. They had bought him a motor scooter. So, um, as you said, Susan, I saw that in the paper and what a tragedy. And, uh, it it just it's very very scary. Um, it's not only dangerous for the

127kids, but it's dangerous for pedestrians and and for other motorists on the road when you've got a 12-year-old that can or ride a scooter that goes up to 60 or 70 miles an hour. So, I think this is something that really needs to be promoted big time. Um, and uh I'm 100% behind it. Um, also, uh, I am going to be attending the ACCBE, uh, conference this weekend in Modesto, and I'm really looking forward to that. Um, it'll be interesting because I'll be the only one from this part of California there. Uh, most of them are all in the mountains and and the valley um that'll be attending. But, uh, we have a great program put together as for the other two. Um, and they're not all the same. So, just so you know, there's

128a couple things that are similar, but all three conferences are different. And one of the things that the North County, the Yukaya, um, uh, conference is going to be talking a lot about our Native Americans and Native American students. And that isn't really something that's brought up a whole lot, but if you're familiar with Lake County and all of those northern counties, uh they have a very large uh Native American population up there. And so it's something that is very significant for them to talk about. So we're going to be uh talking about um that there. And then I will be attending the 17th district PTA lunchon. um on Tuesday and the uh Chamber of Commerce, Santo Chamber of Commerce annual awards and recognition lunchon on Wednesday along with Trusty Benini and they will they

129will be re uh recognizing Superintendent McGee at those two functions. So, thank you. >> Thank you. I actually have a couple of items. Um, I can't remember if I congratulated Deputy Superintendent Bolta on his anniversary. Um, but congratulations. Um, also congratulations to Superintendent Chavez. Thank you for putting up with me during this time. And a happy early birthday. Um, I always think of uh, Superintendent Mickey. She was always very mindful of of birthdays and making sure that she noted them. That's the only one I know, so if I forgot some, I apologize. Um I will also want to share that um I've had some changes in my personal life. So I uh stepped down as principal um from my school in San Jose. Again, it was in San Jose to avoid a conflict of interest.

130Um and in my new role, I am the vice president of programs and services for Samaritan House. And before assuming that role, I made sure um to do my homework and check check in with deputy attorney Acho that there was no conflict of interest in me um taking on that role. Um and there is not. Um and in the event or in the future that there is some partnership or relationship with Samaritan House, um I will abstain and also just um explain why I'm abstaining so that um again no conflict of interest. Um, and with that new role, um, I have been busy with with the onboarding. Um, so my schedule has been tight. So I have not been able to attend my responsibilities for the subcommittees. Um, but I'm hoping that after the next

131week or two, um, I will have more control over my schedule so that I can be, um, attending the meetings and completing my responsibilities as I have committed to. Um, and thank you. That's all I have. So item eight is our adjournment. The next regular meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 7 p.m. And this meeting is now adjourned.